Jim Terrell, former DPS officer and civic leader, dies at age 82

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

SIKESTON -- James "Jim" Terrell, 82, died Feb. 11, 2012, at his home in Sikeston.

He was born Oct. 11, 1929, in Sikeston, son of the late Willard and Gladys (Colley) Terrell. He retired as Sergeant-Illinois Military District Navy Pier Chicago, served six years in the U.S. Army, having been stationed in Japan (Okinawa Occupation); worked 20 years for Sikeston Public Safety, retiring as captain (firefighter) in 1991; and served six years on Sikeston City Council.

In the 1960s, he helped organize government of 13 Delmo Village's (DAEOC), supervised 17 Vista volunteers and wrote the pilot project for what is now Head Start. He was a member of Sikeston Little Theatre for over 50 years, performing many roles on stage. He built sets for numerous productions and was one of three Silver Mask Award winners.

Jim was a member of First Baptist Church; he loved fishing and working in his garden.

On Sept. 4, 1951, he married Hope Edwards, his wife of 61 years. She survives of the home in Sikeston.